It’s been just over a month since House Bill 5 took effect. The issue of homeless encampments surfaced at this week’s Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting.
The far-reaching tough-on-crime legislation includes a provision to create the new offense of “unlawful camping.” That allows police to issue citations to homeless camping in public places. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said there should be options besides an arrest or citation.
“This not the time for dire despair. This is probably more of a time for us to really look at things and look at how we do things and it’s time to really start thinking outside the box.”
Weathers noted the new law allows for designating a specific location for homeless camping, but it can’t just be a, quote, “strip of land.” He added that’s an issue to put before the City’s Law Department.
During Tuesday's Lexington City Council meeting, First District Council Member Tayna Fogle asked about the city property where the homeless gather off Elm Tree Lane.
“So the unhoused goes there to stay out of the rain and to be under the shelter of shade. And that’s part of our City behind the bus stop. Our property. I looked it up. It’s there,” said Fogle.
Weathers said the City has not designated such a spot yet and he isn’t sure if the Elm Tree Lane location would be considered.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
